The nursery, which is attached to John Ruskin College, in Selsdon, was opened 40 years ago to help pregnant teenagers, schoolgirl mums and young parents stay in education.

It is also believed to be the only nursery in the borough to have achieved two "outstanding" Ofsted reports.

The planned closure is due to the loss of a key £120,000-a-year "Care to Learn" government grant that was designed to encourage teenage mums to get back into education in South Croydon and New Addington.

There are very real fears that the closure will destroy the lives of many vulnerable young women who are only able to return to education because of the nursery and its support.

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Many of the women that the service has helped have spoken out to save the beloved nursery that has transformed their lives and the lives of their children.

Lauren Bruce, whose daughter still attends Cotelands, said: “I want to express my great sadness as this nursery was and still is an amazing achievement for Croydon.

Early Years Practitioner Ceri with mum Amber and son Alexander (Image: David Cook)

“I want this nursery to be saved as it will break many hearts to see this establishment go.

“It means a lot to so many individuals and even the thought of closing it down is disgusting, as the children and infants are so used to seeing the setting on a regular basis or even daily.

“The fact that young parents can still study while [their children are] in top care is excellent. The staff there are spectacular nursery practitioners and ensure that the children are safeguarded to the max.

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“I think the Government are being very inconsiderate to the parents, babies and young children who will be left in desperate circumstances if this closure does go ahead.”

Another mother, Susan Sketchley, 20, said: “At the age of 17 I fell pregnant with my now three-year-old son.

“After becoming pregnant at such a young age I was so worried about returning to education due to childcare.

Portrait of mum Karolina Kedziora with daughter Pola

“Fortunately I found this amazing nursery called Cotelands connected to my college, who not only helped me with childcare but supported me mentally, physically, emotionally and helped me put a roof over my head.

“Not only have they supported us like this they have provided us with appointment clinics to ensure our babies are healthy and even provide us with food, water and clothing when we have been at our lowest points.”

The Advertiser has contacted the Department for Education for a comment.